My 2 year old chihuahua has very loose stools with blood

Customer Question

Hello & welcome, I am Dr. B, a licensed veterinarian and I would like to help you with your wee one today.

I am sorry to hear that you are seeing fresh blood in Millie's loose stool. When we see fresh blood in the feces it is often arising from the lower colon. Specifically, we can see this with anal gland disease (though often we will also see a swelling to the side of the rectum or even a wee wound if the gland has ruptured --less likely here, especially since she has loose feces), parasitic infection (ie whipworms) and with inflammation/infection of the colon (colitis). Since she has loose feces colitis would be our top suspicion in Millie's case.

In regards to our approach here, first you may consider worming to remove the concern of parasitic causes. Ideally, you want to use a good quality wormer that will cover against whipworms. Examples would be Panacur, Drontal (http://www.drontal.com/dog.html) or Milbemax (http://www.milbemax.com/) as it will cover all the worms in question and help rule them out as the cause of this colonic bleeding. These are available over the counter at the vets, pet stores, and some pharmacies. Do make sure you have an idea of her weight before purchasing, so you make sure to get the right dose for her size.

As well, if we have an inflammatory colitis (which can be triggered by stress or diet changes) then this can sometimes be settled with a light/easily digestible diet. (Though bacterial induced colitis will often require antibiotic treatment). Examples of bland diets would be boiled chicken with rice, boiled white fish with rice, scrambled eggs (made with water and not milk), or cottage cheese with rice. There are also veterinary prescription diets that can be used in cases like this (ie Hill’s I/D or Royal Canin’s sensitivity). The easily digestible diet will be better tolerated and absorbed by the compromised gut. We usually will try them on the diet for a week until signs settle, and then slowly weaned back to their normal diet over a week.

If you try the above and this doesn't settle in the next 24-48 hours or you are seeing blood from the rectum not associated with her passing feces, then you would want to want to follow up with her vet. And if you have ruled out the above and are concerned about bacterial colitis, then also consider bringing in a fecal sample with you for evaluation. The vet will be able to examine Millie, assess her hydration, and if they too suspect bacterial colitis, then the fecal sample can be sent to the lab for evaluation to identify the agent responsible and what treatment will be effective to clear it. As well or alternatively, the vet can also cover her with broad spectrum antibiotics to treat against the most common bacterial agents of colitis and dog safe anti-diarrheal medication (ie Kaolin, Protexin, etc) to settle this for her.

Remember that if you have any lingering questions or concerns, please reply so that we may continue our conversation. I will be happy to work with your further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek. Please remember to rate my answer when you are satisfied (with4-5 stars or a happy face) so that I may receive credit for my assistance. Thank you & have a great day. : )

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It was so professional, so personally concerned (as we were) and you answered all of our questions. George and I are so happy that I found ""JustAnswer"" on my Google search -- you are now in my ""Favorites"" list! And, yes we do love our kitty - she makes our life complete!Bev & George

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